Download NHS Symptoms of Depression - the Central London CBT Training

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Symptoms of Depression
The symptoms of depression can be complex. If you are depressed, you often lose interest in
things you used to enjoy. Depression commonly interferes with your work, social life and family
life. There are many other symptoms, which can be psychological, physical and social.
Psychological symptoms include:
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continuous low mood or sadness
feelings of hopelessness and helplessness
low self-esteem
tearfulness
feelings of guilt
feeling irritable and intolerant of others
lack of motivation and little interest in things
difficulty making decisions
lack of enjoyment
suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming yourself
feeling anxious or worried
reduced sex drive
Physical symptoms include:
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slowed movement or speech
change in appetite or weight (usually decreased, but sometimes increased)
constipation
unexplained aches and pains
lack of energy or lack of interest in sex
changes to the menstrual cycle
disturbed sleep patterns (for example, problems going to sleep or waking in the early
hours of the morning)
Social symptoms include:
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not doing well at work
taking part in fewer social activities and avoiding contact with friends
reduced hobbies and interests
difficulties in home and family life
It can take some time to recognise that you may be depressed. Depression may come on
gradually and some people continue to deal with the symptoms without recognising them. It can
take a friend or family member to suggest that something is wrong.
*This handout is taken directly from the NHS website:
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Depression/Pages/Introduction.aspx
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Doctors describe depression by how serious it is
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Mild depression has some impact on your daily life.
Moderate depression has a significant impact on your daily life.
Severe depression makes the activities of daily life nearly impossible. A small proportion
of people with severe depression may have psychotic symptoms.
Grief and depression
Even though grief and depression share many of the same characteristics, there are important
differences between them. Grief is an entirely natural response to a loss, while depression is an
illness. However, sometimes it can be hard to distinguish between feelings of grief and
depression.
People who are grieving find that feelings of loss and sadness come and go, but they are still able
to enjoy things and look forward to the future. However, people who are depressed have a
constant feeling of sadness. They do not enjoy anything and have little sense of a positive future.
Other types of depression
There are several different types of depression, and some conditions where depression may be a
major symptom. These include:
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Postnatal depression. Some women develop depression after having a baby. Postnatal
depression is treated in similar ways to other forms of depression, with talking therapies
and antidepressant medicines.
Bipolar disorder is also known as 'manic depression'. It is where there are periods of
depression and also periods of excessively high mood (mania). The depression symptoms
are similar to clinical depression, but the periods of mania can include harmful behaviour
where there are few or no inhibitions, such as gambling to a harmful extent, going on
spending sprees and having unsafe sex.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Also known as 'winter depression', SAD is a type of
depression that has a seasonal pattern usually related to winter.
*This handout is taken directly from the NHS website:
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Depression/Pages/Introduction.aspx